Method and Apparatus for Containment, Shipping, and Storage of Articles

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a storage unit for containment, shipping, and storage of articles. The storage unit includes a base and a frame. In various embodiments, the frame may be generally rectangular and defining a storage region therein. The base of the storage unit is designed to matingly engage with a removable wheeled dolly. In a typical embodiment, the dolly facilitates maneuverability and positioning of the storage unit, particularly in confined areas. In various embodiments, a single dolly may facilitate manipulation of multiple storage units, wherein the dolly may be attached to a storage unit while the storage unit is in use and removed when the storage unit is in long-term storage, thereby reducing the space required to store the storage unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/160,565, filed May 12, 2015 entitled, “Methodand Apparatus for Containment, Shipping, and Storage of Articles,” whichis hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to shipping and storagedevices and methods and more particularly, but not by way of limitation,to a storage unit designed to matingly engage a removable wheeled dollyand methods for utilizing such a storage unit to provide offsitestorage.

2. Background

It has become increasingly common for companies to lease portablestorage and moving containers to commercial entities and individuals.Such storage containers provide sheltered and secure storage space tobusiness entities and individuals at relatively low costs. Additionally,the portable nature of storage and moving containers also makes suchcontainers convenient for moving items and for storing items offsite.Oftentimes, storage and moving containers are delivered to a premesiswhere they are loaded and then transferred off-site to a long-termstorage facility. When being loaded and moved, it is desirable that suchstorage containers be wheeled to facilitate maneuverability of thestorage containers. However, wheels add cost and take up additionalspace in long-term storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage unit for containment,shipping, and storage of articles. The storage unit includes a base anda frame. In various embodiments, the frame may be generally rectangularand define a storage region therein. The base of the storage unit isdesigned to matingly engage with a removable wheeled dolly. In a typicalembodiment, the wheeled dolly facilitates maneuverability andpositioning of the storage unit, particularly in confined areas. Invarious embodiments, a single dolly may facilitate manipulation ofmultiple storage units, wherein the dolly may be attached to a storageunit while the storage unit is in use and removed when the storage unitis in long-term storage, thereby reducing the space required to storethe storage unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and forfurther objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage unit attached to a wheeleddolly according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 having afront door removed according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a back plan view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view of the storage unit of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a back plan view of a cross section of the storage unit ofFIG. 1 along a midline thereof having the dolly removed therefrom;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 having thedolly removed therefrom;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the storage unit of FIG. 1 according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wheeled dolly of FIG. 1 accordingto an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for shipping and storing thestorage unit of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage unit 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The storage unit 100 includes abase 104, a frame 106, and a top surface 128. The frame 106 isconstructed of a plurality of upright members 110 and a plurality ofcross members 112. In a typical embodiment, the frame 106 is enclosed byexterior panels. In a typical embodiment, the exterior panels surroundthe frame 106 on the top, front, back, and two opposed sides of thestorage unit 100. In the embodiment shown, a front panel 116 and a sidepanel 118 a can be seen disposed between the upright members 110 andcross members 112. In various embodiments, the front panel 116 and sidepanel 118 a may be permanently affixed to the frame 106 or may beremovably attached to the frame 106. The frame 106 defines a storageregion therein. In various embodiments, the frame 106 may be constructedof a lightweight material such as, for example, polyvinylchloride;however, in other embodiments, the frame 106 is constructed frommaterials such as, for example, aluminum or various composite materialsas dictated by design requirements. In a typical embodiment, outer edgesof the upright member 110 may be rounded or padded to reduce damage, forexample, to walls or other objects in the event the storage unit 100impacts a wall or other object. The frame 106 is coupled to the base104. As will be discussed in more detail below, a shipping dolly 200 isremovably coupled to an underside of the base 104. In a typicalembodiment, the shipping dolly 200 facilitates maneuverability andpositioning of the storage unit 100, particularly in confined areas.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in a typical embodiment, the storage regionof the storage unit 100 may be dimensioned to accommodate a numberstorage containers therein. By way of example, the storage region maybe, in a particular embodiment, dimensioned to be approximately 33inches wide, approximately 25 inches deep, and approximately 58 incheshigh without the dolly 200 and 67 inches high with the dolly 200.However, in other embodiments, either the storage unit 100 or thestorage region may be dimensioned to accommodate any number of storagecontainers as dictated by design requirements. In various embodiments,the storage unit 100 may be loaded with, for example, luggage or hanginggarments. The storage unit 100 may include a garment hanger (not shown)that includes a bar extending across an inside of the storage region. Invarious embodiments, the garment hanger may be placed between opposedcross members 112 of the frame 106 to facilitate hanging of, forexample, garments therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the garment hangermay be removably attached to a connector 105 a located in side panel 118a. In some embodiments, additional reinforcement may be added to sidepanel 118 a to further support the garment hanger. In variousembodiments, the top surface 128 may contain indentations, protrusions,latches, or other additions to facilitate stacking a second storage uniton top of storage unit 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of the front side of the storageunit 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown, a front panel 116 of thestorage unit 100 includes a hinged door 116 a having a lockable latch116 b that secures the storage region from unauthorized access. In atypical embodiment, the front panel 116 and the door 116 a are sealed soas to protect the contents in the storage region from the elements andprevent infiltration of, for example, rainwater, dust, etc. In a typicalembodiment, the front panel 116 and the door 116 a are constructed ofmaterials such as, for example, thermoform plastic, aluminum, variouscomposite materials, fiberglass, or other appropriate material asdictated by design requirements. In various embodiments, at least one ofthe front panel 116 and the door 116 a may be vented to allowcirculation of air through the storage region.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the front side of thestorage unit 100 is shown having the door removed. As can be seen in theembodiment shown, a garment hanger 105 can be seen extending between twoopposite side panels 118 a and 118 b. In various embodiments, thestorage area inside storage unit 100 may contain shelves or slots forshelves to be added. In addition to having a removable door, in variousembodiments, some or all of the panels may be removable. In someembodiments the top surface or the base may be removable to facilitatenesting of multiple storage units. Although the embodiment shown isgenerally rectangular, in various embodiments, the storage unit may be acube or may have one or more angled or sloped sides to facilitatenesting.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a back view of the storage unit 100 is shown.In the embodiment shown, back panel 120 of the storage unit 100 can beseen. In a typical embodiment, back panel 120 does not include a door.In various embodiments, the back panel 120 may include a door or othermeans of facilitating access to the storage region. In the embodimentshown, back panel 120 is permanently affixed to frame 106 by a pluralityof rivets 122. In various embodiments, back panel 120 may be affixed toframe 106 via other attachment methods, such as screws or glue, or maybe removably coupled to frame 106.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view of the storage unit 100 is shown.In the embodiment shown, side panel 118 a of the storage unit 100 can beseen having a garment hanger connector 105 a and a latch 124. As can beseen, storage unit 100 has a dolly 200 attached to an underside thereof.As will be explained in more detail below, ends of attachment rods 202 aand 202 b can be seen. Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of across section of storage unit 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown,garment hanger 105 can be seen extending through the storage region ofthe storage unit 100. Attachment rods 202 a and 202 b can be seenextending through base 200.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross section view of storage unit 100 isshown. An inside of front panel 116 can be seen having door 116 a. Inthe embodiment shown, the front panel 116 may be locked from the outsideand the locking mechanism contains reinforcements 116 c on the inside toenhance the security of the storage unit 100. Garment hanger 105 can beseen extending through the storage region of the storage unit 100. Thebase 104 of storage unit 100 contains feet 126 a and 126 b extendingdownward therefrom. As explained in more detail below, in variousembodiments, feet 126 a and 126 b may be configured to mate withcorresponding grooves in the dolly (not shown). In various embodiments,feet 126 a and 126 b may be sized to facilitate tines of a forkliftbeing inserted therethrough for lifting storage unit 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a side view of storage unit 100 is showndetached from the dolly (not shown). From this view, side panel 118 bcan be seen having latch 124 and garment hanger connector 105 a. Foot126 b of base 104 can be seen extending downward from storage unit 100.As explained in more detail below, in various embodiments, foot 126 bmay contain holes 204 a and 204 b through which connector rods (notshown) may pass for coupling the storage unit 100 to the dolly (notshown).

Referring now to FIG. 9, a bottom view of storage unit 100 is showndetached from the dolly (not shown). In various embodiments, the base104 may contain feet 126 a and 126 b disposed on opposite ends of thebase 104 and extending from the front to the back of base 104. In otherembodiments, more or less feet may be disposed on the base 104. As canbe seen, holes 204 a and 204 b extend through feet 126 a and 126 b.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the shipping dolly 200for use with the storage unit 100 is shown. The shipping dolly 200includes a platform 206 and a plurality of wheels 114 coupled to theplatform 206. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of wheels 114 are,for example, approximately five inches in diameter. By way of example,the platform 206 in the embodiment shown contains four wheels 114;however, in other embodiments, the platform 206 may contain more orfewer wheels 114 as dictated by design requirements. In a typicalembodiment, at least two of the wheels 114 are able to swivel about avertical axis so as to facilitate maneuverability; however, in otherembodiments all or none of the wheels 114 may swivel. In someembodiments, the wheels 114 may be casters, may be lockable or may beretractable. In a typical embodiment, the dolly 200 may be removablycoupled to an underside of the base 104 of storage unit 100. In variousembodiments, dolly 200 may include troughs 226 a and 226 b on oppositesides thereof shaped to matingly engage feet 126 a and 126 b of base 104(not shown). In various embodiments, dolly 200 may include holescorresponding to holes 204 a and 204 b of base 104 (not shown) alignedin registry therewith and configured to allow connector rods 202 a and202 b to pass therethough to securely affix dolly 200 to base 104. Invarious embodiments, the troughs 226 a and 226 b may be configured toallow tines of a forklift to fit under connector rods 202 a and 202 b tofacilitate lifting of the storage unit 100 when the dolly 200 isattached thereto. In other embodiments, latches (not shown) for securingthe dolly 200 to the storage unit 100 may be included in addition to orin place of the connector rods.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of a process 1100 for shippingand storing the storage unit is described. The process 1100 begins atstep 1102 when a storage unit is provided. At step 1104, a dolly iscoupled to the underside of the base of the storage unit to allow thestorage unit to be rolled around and delivered to a location. At step1106, the storage unit is loaded with, for example, a plurality ofstorage containers. In various embodiments, however, the storage unitmay be loaded with, for example, luggage, hanging garments, or otheritems as dictated by needs. In a typical embodiment, the storage unitmay be dimensioned such that approximately ten storage containers mayfit into the storage region with minimal excess space; however, in otherembodiments, the storage unit may be dimensioned as necessary accordingto design requirements. In various embodiments, a plurality of storageunits may be utilized having different heights, but having similar sizedbases such that one or more dollies of a standard size may be coupled tothe various storage units.

Still referring to FIG. 11, at step 1108, the storage unit is securedfrom unauthorized access. In a typical embodiment, securement of thestorage unit includes locking a door. At step 1110, the storage unit ismaneuvered, via the dolly, to a designated pick-up location. At step1112, the storage unit is placed on a shipping vehicle. In variousembodiments, the storage unit may be rolled onto a shipping vehicle ormay be placed on the shipping vehicle via, for example, a crane or aforklift In other embodiments, the shipping vehicle is equipped with alifting mechanism that places the storage unit on the shipping vehicle.In a typical embodiment, the shipping vehicle is dimensioned toaccommodate a plurality of storage units with minimal wasted space. Atstep 1114, the shipping vehicle transports the storage unit to, forexample, a long-term storage facility. At step 1116, the dolly isremoved from the storage unit to reduce the amount of space necessary tostore the storage unit. In various embodiments, the dolly may be removedprior to loading the storage unit onto the shipping vehicle. At step1118, the storage unit is stored in the long-term storage facility. Atstep 1120, when it is time to deliver the storage unit, the storage unitis removed from long term storage and the dolly is reattached to thestorage unit. The storage unit is then delivered to its finaldestination. In various embodiments, the dolly may remain coupled to thestorage unit throughout the process, including during long term storage.In various embodiments, the storage unit may be utilized to provideoffsite storage in an urban environment, for example, by storing aplurality of storage units at a storage facility and then delivering andretrieving storage units in response to requests received from owners ofthe articles contained in the storage units.

Although various embodiments of the method and system of the presentinvention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings anddescribed in the foregoing Specification, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable ofnumerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forthherein. It is intended that the Specification and examples be consideredas illustrative only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing off-site storage ofarticles comprising: providing a plurality of storage units, eachstorage unit having a base; providing a plurality of wheeled dollies,each wheeled dolly configured to be removably coupled to the base of astorage unit; coupling a wheeled dolly of the plurality of wheeleddollies to a storage unit of the plurality of storage units; deliveringthe storage unit and the wheeled dolly to a location for articles to beloaded into the storage unit; retrieving the storage unit and thewheeled dolly from the location; uncoupling the wheeled dolly from thestorage unit; storing the storage unit at a storage facility; receivinga request for the storage unit; coupling a wheeled dolly of theplurality of wheeled dollies to the storage unit; delivering the storageunit and the wheeled dolly to a destination for the articles to beunloaded; and retrieving the storage unit and the wheeled dolly from thedestination.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the location and thedestination are the same.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling thewheeled dolly to the storage unit comprises mating feet on the base ofthe storage unit with troughs on the wheeled dolly.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein coupling the wheeled dolly to the storage unit furthercomprises inserting a connector rod through holes in the feet aligned inregistry with holes in the troughs.
 5. A method of transporting andstoring articles comprising: providing a storage unit having a baseconfigured to be coupled to a wheeled dolly; coupling the wheeled dollyto the storage unit; delivering the storage unit and the wheeled dollyto a location for articles to be loaded into the storage unit;retrieving the storage unit and wheeled dolly; removing the wheeleddolly from the storage unit; and storing the storage unit.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein coupling the wheeled dolly to the storage unitcomprises mating feet on the base of the storage unit with troughs onthe wheeled dolly.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein coupling thewheeled dolly to the storage unit further comprises inserting aconnector rod through holes in the feet aligned in registry with holesin the troughs.
 8. The method of claim 5 and further comprising couplingthe wheeled dolly to a second storage unit.
 9. The method of claim 5wherein the base of the storage unit is configured to receive tines of aforklift.
 10. The method of claim 5 wherein the wheeled dolly is coupledto the storage unit after delivery to the location.
 11. A storage systemcomprising: a storage unit having a base, the base having a front edgeand a back edge; a first foot protruding from a bottom surface of thebase and extending between the front edge of the base and the back edgeof the base; a first foot hole extending through the first foot in adirection generally orthogonal to the first foot; a second footprotruding from a bottom surface of the base and extending between thefront edge of the base and the back edge of the base, the second footbeing spaced from the first foot; a second foot hole extending throughthe second foot in a direction generally orthogonal to the second foot,the second foot hole being aligned in registry with the first foot hole;a dolly removably coupled to the base, the dolly comprising a firsttrough extending between a front edge of the dolly and a back edge ofthe dolly and a second trough extending between the front edge of thedolly and the back edge of the dolly, the first trough having a firsttrough hole extending therethrough and the second trough having a secondtrough hole extending therethrough; and wherein, when the first foot isreceived into the first trough and the second foot is received into thesecond trough, the first foot hole, the second foot hole, the firsttrough hole, and the second trough hole align in registry so as toreceive a connector rod therethrough.
 12. The storage system of claim11, wherein the dolly is a wheeled dolly containing a plurality ofwheels disposed on an underside thereof.
 13. The storage system of claim11, wherein the connector rod removably couples the dolly to the storageunit.
 14. The storage system of claim 11, comprising: a third foot holeextending through the first foot and a fourth foot hole extendingthrough the second foot, the fourth foot hole being aligned in registrywith the third foot hole; a third trough hole extending through thefirst trough and a fourth trough hole extending through the secondtrough, the fourth trough hole being aligned in registry with the thirdtrough hole.
 15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein when the firstfoot is received into the first trough and the second foot is receivedinto the second trough, the third foot hole, the fourth foot hole, thethird trough hole, and the fourth trough hole align in registry so as toreceive a second connector rod therethrough.
 16. The storage system ofclaim 11, wherein the first foot is spaced from the second foot so as toaccommodate receipt of forklift tines therebetween.